#1
Leon's Oyster Shop
$$ - $$$
Upper King
Why #1 Bib Gourmand fried chicken + oysters — the locals' institution that critics love too
Beloved Upper King oyster bar and fried chicken counter housed in a converted auto-shop, serving natural wine, wood-roasted oysters, and Nashville hot chicken in Charleston's most admired casual room.
James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant DesignBon Appétit Best New RestaurantsEater Carolinas 'Essential Restaurants'
#2
Tattooed Moose
$
Upper King
Why #2 Duck fat fries, dive bar energy, and the burger that started a cult
Beloved dive bar and sandwich shop on Upper King famous for the Duck Club sandwich, craft beers, and an unapologetically local, no-frills atmosphere.
Multiple 'Best Sandwich in Charleston' awardsCharleston City Paper Best of Charleston repeat winnerThe Duck Club sandwich is a Charleston cult item
#3
Home Team BBQ
$$ - $$$
Multiple (West Ashley flagship; Sullivan's Island; Upper King)
Why #3 Gamechanger cocktails + dry-rubbed wings — the social BBQ spot
Award-winning Charleston BBQ institution with multiple locations serving smoked meats, creative cocktails, and live music that defines the Lowcountry backyard cookout experience.
Southern Living 'Best BBQ in Charleston'Food Network and Travel Channel featuresMultiple locations across the Charleston area
#4
Edmund's Original (formerly Edmund's Oast)
$$ - $$$
American tavern and gastropub on Morrison Drive…
Eater Carolinas 'Essential Restaurants'
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#5
The Grocery
$$ - $$$
Farm-to-table neighborhood gathering place by c…
TripAdvisor #39 in Charleston with 4.4/5 (714 reviews)
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#6
Hannibal's Kitchen
$
A James Island soul food institution that has '…
40+ years in operation — one of Charleston's oldest …
New
#7
Lost Isle
$$ - $$$
Fire-to-table outdoor restaurant under pecan tr…
Southern Living Restaurant of the Year (2024)
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#8
Jack of Cups Saloon
$
Cozy Folly Beach staple with a globally inspire…
Charleston City Paper Best of Charleston winner (mul…
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#9
The Royal American
$
Neighborhood bar and live music venue on Morris…
Open since 2011 — one of Charleston's most establish…
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#10
Lillian's Petite Market & Eatery
$$ - $$$
Community-centered Westside café, bar, and mark…
Condé Nast Traveler mention
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#11
Basic Kitchen
$$ - $$$
Pioneering whole-foods and plant-forward restau…
TripAdvisor #80 in Charleston (4.3/5, 181 reviews) —…
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#12
Boxcar Betty's
$
West Ashley purveyor of gourmet fried chicken s…
TripAdvisor #22 in Charleston with 4.5/5 (432 reviews)
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#13
Dave's Carry-Out
$
Low-key local seafood institution serving Lowco…
TripAdvisor #169 in Charleston with 4.5/5 (72 reviews)
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#14
Queen Street Grocery & Cafe
$
Neighborhood café and local institution in the …
Voted 'Best Corner Store' by customers
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#15
Berkeley's Sandwiches + Suppers
$
Casual neighborhood sandwich and supper spot ne…
Condé Nast Traveler feature
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